We often celebrate the milestones; the promotion, the business launch, the graduation, the dream finally realised. But behind so many of those moments is someone whose contribution isn't always visible: the woman who encouraged us, challenged us, believed in us or simply stood beside us when we needed it most and sometimes, all it takes is one person who believes in you before you're ready to believe in yourself.
This Women's Day, Royal Baking Powder celebrates the women who help other women rise, not only through grand gestures, but through encouragement, mentorship and the simple words that inspire us to keep going.
That is exactly the spirit behind entrepreneur, chef and cookbook author Mmule Setati's Women's Day tribute.
For Mmule, the kitchen has always been a place where memories are made. Baking isn't simply about creating something delicious, it's about slowing down, creating with intention and making space for connection. She believes it is where confidence is built, lessons are shared and dreams quietly begin to take shape.
Over the years, the founder of Feed My Tribe, has been mentoring a young lady named Oratile. Oratile is an aspiring entrepreneur who recently started her own baking business. As she worked to build her dream, she often sends Mmule samples of her baked goods, asking for honest feedback and guidance. With every recipe, every improvement and every conversation, her confidence continued to grow. This women’s day, Mmule wanted Oratile to know just how proud she is of her journey. She surprised her with a heartfelt gift: Royal Baking Powder, a trusted ingredient that has been part of countless baking journeys, together with a KitchenAid mixer with baking utensils to help take her business to the next level.
But perhaps the most meaningful gift wasn't something wrapped in a box. Looking Oratile in the eye, Mmule simply said: "I am so proud of you for not giving up." They're simple words, but they carry extraordinary weight. Every woman deserves to hear them.
Because behind every achievement is perseverance. Behind every successful business are moments of doubt that nobody else sees. Sometimes, the encouragement that changes everything is hearing someone say, "I see how hard you've worked, and I'm proud of you for making big things happen."
It's often those words that give us the courage to keep going.
For generations, Royal Baking Powder has been part of these moments in South African homes, helping families create baked treats that bring people together around the table. Today, the brand continues to champion the idea that baking can create more than memorable treats; it can create opportunities, confidence and meaningful connections between women.
This Women's Day, Royal Baking Powder invites South Africans to celebrate the women who have encouraged them, mentored them or simply reminded them not to give up.
Sometimes appreciation is expressed through a handwritten note. Sometimes it's shared over tea and something homemade.
And sometimes, it's as simple as saying the words someone has been waiting to hear:
"I'm proud of you."
Because those are the words that help another woman rise.
Inspired to create your own heartfelt moment this Women's Day?
Mmule recommends her favourite Chewy Sugar Cookie Pizza, made with Royal Baking Powder. Bake it and surprise the woman who has helped you rise.
Ingredients
- Cookie Dough
- 113 g white baking margarine
- 200 g white sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
- 220 g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
- 2.5 ml (½ tsp) baking soda
- 3.75 ml (¾ tsp) Royal Baking Powder
- 2.5 ml (½ tsp) salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 70 g salted butter, softened
- 226 g cream cheese, softened
- 250 g icing sugar, sifted
- 7.5 ml (1½ tsp) vanilla extract
Fruit Topping
- 75 g blueberries
- 75 g strawberries, diced
- 75 g orange, peeled and diced
- 75 g grapefruit, peeled and dice
White Chocolate Glaze
- 75 g white chocolate, melted
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Method
Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line two baking trays with baking paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, Royal Baking Powder and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar and white sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Scoop approximately 30–35 g of dough and roll into balls.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking trays, leaving about 5 cm between each cookie.
- Gently flatten each dough ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centres are just set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
- Beat the butter until smooth.
- Add the cream cheese and beat until creamy and lump-free.
- Gradually add the icing sugar and vanilla extract.
- Continue beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.
White Chocolate Glaze
- Place the white chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth.
- Allow the glaze to cool slightly for 2–3 minutes.
Assemble
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over each cookie.
- Arrange the blueberries, strawberries, orange, and grapefruit on top.
- Finish by drizzling melted white chocolate over each cookie.
- Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Whether you bake it for your mother, mentor, sister, friend or someone whose dreams you’re quietly sharing, let it be a simple reminder that encouragement has the power to change lives.
Because every woman has a story. And behind so many of those stories is another woman who helped write the first chapter.
#MakeBigThingsHappen
